The MLSE Team Up Challenge, presented by Ford, returns for a sixth consecutive year and will take place Friday, June 8, 2018 at Polson Pier & Cabana Pool Bar in Toronto. The day-long event will feature representatives from MLSE and its teams who will compete alongside event participants in a variety of sports. This year, teams will compete in two new sports – beach volleyball and beach dodgeball, in addition to the tournament’s original trio of ball hockey, basketball and soccer.

To participate in the tournament, teams of eight to ten players must fundraise $5,000 and can expect to play at least one game in all five sports before advancing to further rounds. In addition to the tournament, participants will be treated to unique food experiences, celebrity appearances and an afterparty to celebrate the fundraising campaign.

Each team’s fundraising efforts will directly support MLSE Foundation’s newest project – MLSE LaunchPad – a place where youth use sport to recognize and reach their potential. As the first facility of its kind in North America, MLSE LaunchPad provides sport and life skills programming for thousands of youth facing barriers living in Toronto’s Moss Park and Regent Park community. Each participating team will be paired with a sport program and youth ambassador from MLSE LaunchPad who will serve as honorary coaches to motivate them throughout their fundraising efforts.

“We’re incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received during the first five years of hosting the MLSE Team Up Challenge,” said Michael Bartlett, Executive Director of MLSE Foundation. “With two new sports, a venue in the heart of Toronto and a well-deserved afterparty celebration, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever before. We look forward to delivering a world-class sporting experience for our participants and playing a role in helping kids reach their potential through MLSE LaunchPad.”

The sixth annual MLSE Team Up Challenge also signifies the beginning of an expanded relationship between MLSE Foundation and Camp Trillium. Camp Trillium, the primary recipient of funds raised at previous tournaments, will now serve as a Legacy Partner for MLSE Foundation. MLSE Foundation remains committed to providing sustainable funding to ensure Camp Trillium continues to provide excellent recreational programming for children living with cancer and their families in the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario. As part of this new relationship, MLSE Foundation will dedicate NHL’s Hockey Fight Cancer month in November to raising funds for Camp Trillium.

“We are very excited to move our partnership to a new level as we become a Legacy Partner and work with MLSE Foundation to send even more children living with cancer and families to Camp Trillium,” said Marci Shea-Perry, Executive Director of Camp Trillium.

About MLSE Foundation
MLSE Foundation believes all kids should have access to sport and the opportunity to develop lasting dreams on the playing field. With the support of MLSE’s teams, the Foundation funds the refurbishment of local athletic facilities and programs that support kids through sports and recreation. Since launching in 2010, MLSE Foundation has invested more than $30 million into our community. For more information visit mlsefoundation.org or follow MLSE Foundation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.